Motorized skateboard

Abstract

A motorized skateboard (10) having an electric motor (102) that rotates a rear fifth drive wheel (86) that extends behind the rear truck (36) of the motorized skateboard (10). The drive wheel (86), which is biased downward by the force of gravity, interfaces with the surface of the ground. A hand-held cable assembly (140) having a power switch (142) controls the operation of the electric motor (102) which applies power to and causes the rear drive wheel (86) to rotate. The rotating drive wheel (86) further causes the motorized skateboard (10) to be propelled forward. The forward motion will continue as long as the rider depresses the power switch (142).

Description

[0001]This application claims priority of Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 158,171 filed Mar. 6, 2009.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The invention generally pertains to skateboards, and more particularly to a motorized, self-propelled skateboard.BACKGROUND ART[0003]As is well known in the prior art, a skateboard typically includes an elongated board, sometimes referred to as a deck, having an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface supports the feet of the skateboard rider and the lower surface has two sets of trucks that are longitudinally spaced. Skateboard trucks have attached front and back sets of wheels that have the ability to both travel over an up and down range as well as pivot around a central point forward and aft. A central axle extends through the trucks and into the wheels which are rotatably attached to the ends of the trucks.[0004]The rider stands on the upper surface of the board and by shifting the location of the feet and center of gravity, tilts the boar...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]The motorized skateboard disclosed herein is capable of being riden in a similar manner as a conventional non-motorized skateboard. The motorized skateboard includes an elongated skateboard deck having an upper surface that supports the unfettered feet of the rider, similar to a conventional skateboard. On the bottom surface of the skateboard deck is attached a front truck that supports a pair of wheels, and a rear truck that supports a rear pair of wheels in a manner similar to a conventional skateboard. The wheels rotate freely and the trucks are able to pivot and move as do the trucks and wheels of a conventional skateboard.

[0017]The motor includes an axle that rotates when the motor is activated. A drive chain is connected between a drive sprocket attached to the shaft of the motor and to a drive-receiving sprocket located on the drive wheel. Thus, as the motor is activated and the axle and drive sprocket rotate, the chain also rotates, causing the drive-receiving sprocket to rotate and propel the skateboard.

Problems solved by technology

By virtue of the manual propulsion, a conventional skateboard has limitations in both speed as well as the fact that the rider can tire over a period of time.

While these attempts create propulsion for the skateboard, certain issues are created.

Designing and incorporating a transmission or differential between the motor and the skateboard wheel it adds cost and complexity to the device.

Moreover, the skateboard cannot turn or move as it typically does, and thus the skateboard loses its “feel”, maneuverability and performance.

On non-even terrain, it may be difficult for the wheel to follow the terrain in a manner that can maintain traction with the ground so that there are no interruptions in propulsion of the skateboard.

This also creates difficulties for traction if there are protrusions or bumps that the skateboard encounters.

Another disadvantage of the Schlicht arrangement is that a portion of the wheel as well as the motor and controls and the like are disposed on the upper surface of the board.

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